Mike Ditka

A native of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Mike Ditka grew up as the son of a steel-mine worker. He was a three sports star in high school, and was a college football Consensus All-American at the University of Pittsburgh in 1960. Drafter in the first round by George Halas of the Chicago Bears, Mike was the 5th overall selection in the 1961 NFL draft, and was honored that year as the NFL's Rookie of the Year.

Mike played tight end for the National Football League's Chicago Bears (1961-1966), Philadelphia Eagles (1967-1968), and Dallas Cowboys (1969-1972). He still hold four Chicago Bears receiving records; consecutive games with a reception (49), TD receptions in one game (4), reception by rookie (56), and most TD reception by a rookie (12).

Mike has won three Super Bowls, as a play (Dallas- Super Bowl VI), as an assistant coach, (Dallas-Super Bowl XII), and as a head coach (Chicago0 Super Bowl XX). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

His name is synonymous with the Chicago Bears. "Da Coach or Iron Mike" played for, and coached the Chicago Bears or 17 seasons. In 1982, Coach Halas names Mike, the 9th Head Coach in the history of the Chicago Bears. He coached the Bears from 1982 to 1992, compiling a win-loss record of 112 to 68during that time. He guided the Bears to six NFC Central Divisional titles, in addition to three NFC title games. His '85 Bears won the NFL crown in Super Bowl XX. The '85 Bears are considered amongst the NFL's "Best Ever Teams" going 18-1 that year. Twice, Ditka was named the NFL's Coach of the Year ('85 and '88). From 1985-1988, he led the Bears to 52 wins- the most ever by an NFL team in a four-year span in NFL history. He left the Bears football organization in 1992.

Mike returned to coaching in the NFL as Head Coach for the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 2000.

Today, Ditka also shares his drive and team-building skills with audiences across the country. In his presentation "ACE"- Attitude, Character, and Enthusiasm, he shares the lessons learned in a life of commitment and attention to the fundamentals- resulting in victory. He delivers a powerful presentation that highlights the key characteristics people need to achieve their personal professional goals.

Currently, Mike is a commentator and analyst for ESPN, a restaurateur, an actor, a commercial spokesperson, and an avid golfer. He is involved with many charitable organizations, including Misericordia, a residential facility for mentally and physically challenged youths.

Mike resides in Naples and Chicago with his wife, Diana.